December 2007 Archives
Dr. Ed Powell of SAIC led this Monday tutorial on of the Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA). While TENA came into existence for the purpose of interoperability on Army and Navy test and training ranges, it appears to be en route to becoming a replacement for HLA. As with the previous session, it sped by too fast for me to get too many notes, and we weren't provided with copies of the slides, so the following notes are somewhat random.
TENA attempts to provide the best features of HLA, minus HLA's disadvantages.
One slide compared other distributed architectures to TENA: On the wire spec vs. API standard, single frame of reference vs. multiple frames of reference, single level vs. multiple levels of compliance, run time checking vs. compile time checking, hand coded interfaces vs. automatic interfaces.
TENA's latest release is 6.0 beta 1. TENA's version numbers are x.y.z, where a change x indicates a change to the API, a change in y indicates a change in wire-level interoperability, and a change in z indicates a bug fix.
The TENA development team is partnering with Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) and Joint Mission Environment Test Capability (JMETC).
TENA was used in JNTC's Joint Red Flag 2005, and in JMETC's 2006 InterTEC air combat mission event.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research uses TENA with a server that provides four-dimensional weather data (4DWX) for joint training events.
Here are a couple of papers about TENA:
DEVELOPING DISTRIBUTED APPLICATIONS RAPIDLY AND RELIABLY USING THE TENA MIDDLEWARE by J. Russell Noseworthy, SAIC, delivered at MILCOM 2005, October 17-20, 2005.
The Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA) Overview Briefing - 13 November 2007. This PDF appears to be the slideshow that was presented at the tutorial.
There will be a TENA course in mid-January at the Dulles Embassy Suites.
TENA attempts to provide the best features of HLA, minus HLA's disadvantages.
One slide compared other distributed architectures to TENA: On the wire spec vs. API standard, single frame of reference vs. multiple frames of reference, single level vs. multiple levels of compliance, run time checking vs. compile time checking, hand coded interfaces vs. automatic interfaces.
TENA's latest release is 6.0 beta 1. TENA's version numbers are x.y.z, where a change x indicates a change to the API, a change in y indicates a change in wire-level interoperability, and a change in z indicates a bug fix.
The TENA development team is partnering with Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) and Joint Mission Environment Test Capability (JMETC).
TENA was used in JNTC's Joint Red Flag 2005, and in JMETC's 2006 InterTEC air combat mission event.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research uses TENA with a server that provides four-dimensional weather data (4DWX) for joint training events.
Here are a couple of papers about TENA:
DEVELOPING DISTRIBUTED APPLICATIONS RAPIDLY AND RELIABLY USING THE TENA MIDDLEWARE by J. Russell Noseworthy, SAIC, delivered at MILCOM 2005, October 17-20, 2005.
The Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA) Overview Briefing - 13 November 2007. This PDF appears to be the slideshow that was presented at the tutorial.
There will be a TENA course in mid-January at the Dulles Embassy Suites.
One of the Monday tutorials was a history and overview of distributed simulation. Margaret L. Loper, Ph.D., from Georgia Tech, was the presenter. I took notes, but it was impossible to keep up. Loper is one of the instructors at the Binghamton University Flight and Ground Vehicle Simulation Update 2008.
The history went all the way back to 1929 and Edwin Link and included SAGE, Spacewar, Maze War, TACDEW, B-52/KC-135, the development of synchronization, SIMNET, and the development of DIS.
She said that SIMNET training was a factor in the decisive Gulf War Battle of 73 Easting, in which an inexperience tank force successfully engaged and destroyed a unit of the Iraqi Republican Guard.
The goal of a distributed system, according to Loper, is to create the illusion that everything is running on a single machine.
She listed the following elements of a distributed computing system:
DIS has scaling problems, documented in a 1995 paper by Macedonia, Zyda, Pratt, Brutzman, and Barham titled Exploiting Reality with Multicast Groups: A Network Architecture for Large-scale Virtual Environments.
Other random bits from my notes:
Other protocols and projects in the 1990s: Aggregate Level Simulation Protocol (ALSP), MODSIM, JMASS. TENA was developed for range systems. Bossi, 1997, on Data Volume Reduction Techniques, Russo on quiescent object model. Multicast.
Ed Powell gave a paper in June 2007 on four approaches to interoperability between distributes simulation protocols.
The history went all the way back to 1929 and Edwin Link and included SAGE, Spacewar, Maze War, TACDEW, B-52/KC-135, the development of synchronization, SIMNET, and the development of DIS.
She said that SIMNET training was a factor in the decisive Gulf War Battle of 73 Easting, in which an inexperience tank force successfully engaged and destroyed a unit of the Iraqi Republican Guard.
The goal of a distributed system, according to Loper, is to create the illusion that everything is running on a single machine.
She listed the following elements of a distributed computing system:
- communication techniques
- computational network
- time and coordination
- naming
- security
- resource management
- process management
- distributed file system
- Object / event architecture: Info about non-changing objects is assumed to be known by all. Dynamic objects pass messages about events and movements.
- Autonomous simulation nodes: All events broadcast to everyone, join and leave any time, don't have to know who needs a piece of information.
- Transmission of "ground truth": Each node xmits absolute truth, each node is responsible for determining visibility and impact on themselves, each node responsible to degrade information, e.g. sensor info.
- Transmission of state change: Update rate drops as rate of change drops
- Extrapolation (dead reckoning): Each node is responsible for comparing detailed position model vs. dead reckoning -- sending data only when error gets too large. Dead reckoning is trade off between communications, computation, and precision.
DIS has scaling problems, documented in a 1995 paper by Macedonia, Zyda, Pratt, Brutzman, and Barham titled Exploiting Reality with Multicast Groups: A Network Architecture for Large-scale Virtual Environments.
Other random bits from my notes:
Other protocols and projects in the 1990s: Aggregate Level Simulation Protocol (ALSP), MODSIM, JMASS. TENA was developed for range systems. Bossi, 1997, on Data Volume Reduction Techniques, Russo on quiescent object model. Multicast.
Ed Powell gave a paper in June 2007 on four approaches to interoperability between distributes simulation protocols.
- Central broker
- UN approach
- One language
- Heterogeneous gateway
On Monday morning, November 26, 2007, U. S. Rep. Randy Forbes (R.-Va.) led a panel discussion featuring himself and three other members of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus: Ric Keller (R.-Fla.), Bobby Scott (D.-Va.), and Tom Feeney (R.-Fla.).
Forbes spoke about using M&S to identify and react to food supply contamination. In the 1950s only 5% of U.S. food supply was imported; today it's 13.5%. 80% of fish is imported, 60% of vegetables are imported. A dairy contamination in Minnesota would take 7 days to catch with a potential $329 billion impact. Forbes says M&S is the only way we can develop strategies to protect the food supply.
Scott spoke about plans to expand M&S degree programs. He is sponsoring a bill that would authorize Department of Education funds to grant $750,000 or more to expand existing programs and start new programs. The bill is currently in committee.
Feeney talked about the Chinese engineering boom and the need to keep up. China wants a blue water navy, has shot down a satellite with a land-based laser, is developing satellite blinding and a launch capability. American space predominance is, he said, "our Achilles heel."
Keller focused on education and cooperation within the M&S industry. He said that in January 2001, he convened M&S businesses in the Orlando area and asked how to grow high-tech business. They said the need was an educated workforce.
He obtained a $5 million earmark to establish an M&S program at the University of Central Florida.
More recently he's been working on ways to increase access for low and moderate income families to college programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Math & science majors qualify for an additional $4000 Pell grant atop the $5400 base grant.
Keller cited a Raytheon study, which applied modeling and systems engineering techniques to the nation's educational system, trying to figure out how to reach the goal of doubling the number of STEM degrees by 2015. They found that while 29% of 8th graders are interested in math and science only 6% of college graduates have STEM degrees. The quality of a math teacher is the key factor in whether a student remains interested in STEM. Keller thinks that teachers should be rewarded based on things like how many AP math students they turn out.
During the Q&A someone (Keller?) mentioned how gaming can be used to get kids interested in M&S. They invite gamers to a workshop to modify and enhance video games, and at the end of the day they tell them they were doing M&S work.
Forbes spoke about using M&S to identify and react to food supply contamination. In the 1950s only 5% of U.S. food supply was imported; today it's 13.5%. 80% of fish is imported, 60% of vegetables are imported. A dairy contamination in Minnesota would take 7 days to catch with a potential $329 billion impact. Forbes says M&S is the only way we can develop strategies to protect the food supply.
Scott spoke about plans to expand M&S degree programs. He is sponsoring a bill that would authorize Department of Education funds to grant $750,000 or more to expand existing programs and start new programs. The bill is currently in committee.
Feeney talked about the Chinese engineering boom and the need to keep up. China wants a blue water navy, has shot down a satellite with a land-based laser, is developing satellite blinding and a launch capability. American space predominance is, he said, "our Achilles heel."
Keller focused on education and cooperation within the M&S industry. He said that in January 2001, he convened M&S businesses in the Orlando area and asked how to grow high-tech business. They said the need was an educated workforce.
He obtained a $5 million earmark to establish an M&S program at the University of Central Florida.
More recently he's been working on ways to increase access for low and moderate income families to college programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Math & science majors qualify for an additional $4000 Pell grant atop the $5400 base grant.
Keller cited a Raytheon study, which applied modeling and systems engineering techniques to the nation's educational system, trying to figure out how to reach the goal of doubling the number of STEM degrees by 2015. They found that while 29% of 8th graders are interested in math and science only 6% of college graduates have STEM degrees. The quality of a math teacher is the key factor in whether a student remains interested in STEM. Keller thinks that teachers should be rewarded based on things like how many AP math students they turn out.
During the Q&A someone (Keller?) mentioned how gaming can be used to get kids interested in M&S. They invite gamers to a workshop to modify and enhance video games, and at the end of the day they tell them they were doing M&S work.
MS&T is published six times a year by Halldale Media Group. You can access issues of MS&T online at no charge. The third issue of each year is their Military Flight Simulator Census, which lists, by aircraft manufacturer, who owns it, who built it, what kind of device, what kind of visual, and how many motion axes.
J. F. Taylor, Inc., is a simulation and trainer systems company located near NAS Patuxent River. It is a TSC II prime contractor for the Navy. They have 220 employees and had about $60 million in revenue last year. According to their website they've done trainers for
In my conversation with one of their engineers, I got the impression that they only have a couple of people working software and that hardware is their real strength. They seem to complement our strengths, and they might be helpful if we need a foot in the door at Pax River or in the world of Navy flight simulation.
- F-14A/B
- F/A-18C/D/E/F
- P-3C
- SH-60B & MH-60S
- CH-53E
- AH-1W & UH-1N
- V-22
- KC-130T
- VH-3D & VH-60N
In my conversation with one of their engineers, I got the impression that they only have a couple of people working software and that hardware is their real strength. They seem to complement our strengths, and they might be helpful if we need a foot in the door at Pax River or in the world of Navy flight simulation.
The I/ITSEC 2007 category is for recording notes and linking to materials pertaining to this years conference, November 26-29, in Orlando, Florida.
I attended the following sessions:
MONDAY:
Special Event: Congressional M&S Caucus
Tutorial: Distributed Simulation Fundamentals
Tutorial: Range Interoperability Using TENA and TENA Middleware
Tutorial: Introduction to Synthetic Environment Data Representation and Interchange Specification
TUESDAY:
Opening Ceremonies: Keynotes from Gen. William R. Looney, III, USAF, Commander AETC, and Gen. Larry D. Welch, USAF (Ret.), President, Institute for Defense Analyses.
Paper: Live-Virtual-Constructive Architecture Interoperability Assessment
Paper: The Open Technology Development Challenge: Are You Ready?
Paper: Achieving Simulation Interoperability: Republic of Korea and the United States
WEDNESDAY:
Paper: Preventing the Tanker Two Step: Renewed Emphasis on Geospatial Data Quality
THURSDAY:
Paper: Development of a Persistent Partner Simulation Network Capability
Paper: The Ripple Effects of Information Assurance on the Simulation World
Paper: Performance Considerations of Embedded Scripting Languages in Real-Time Training
I attended meetings in the CymSTAR conference room with Veraxx regarding CH-53 and with Phil Boettjer regarding USMC programs.
I also spent a considerable amount of time on the exhibit floor, speaking to representatives and viewing exhibits from ASTI and Simphonics, Christie Digital (visual projection systems), 3D Perception, Glass Mountain Optics (visual screens), Display Solutions, Concurrent, Electrosonic, Wittenstein Aerospace & Simulation (electric control loading), RedHat, Aero Simulation, Inc., J. F. Taylor, Inc., MS&T, CAE, Aegis, Precision Display Technologies, D&SCI, Scalable Display Technologies (EasyBlend), TENA SDA, AVCATT, GE Fanuc, UEI, SCT, Sytronics, PEO Stri, AFRL, Northrup Grumman. I spoke to Randy Hobbs of Northrup Grumman, who is the liaison for DMO for the Air Combat Command. AFRL Mesa demonstrated a live-virtual-constructive close air support demonstration.
Evening activities included attending CymSTAR's AMC social at the Cricketer's Arms and a dinner hosted by Proactive Technologies.
I attended the following sessions:
MONDAY:
Special Event: Congressional M&S Caucus
Tutorial: Distributed Simulation Fundamentals
Tutorial: Range Interoperability Using TENA and TENA Middleware
Tutorial: Introduction to Synthetic Environment Data Representation and Interchange Specification
TUESDAY:
Opening Ceremonies: Keynotes from Gen. William R. Looney, III, USAF, Commander AETC, and Gen. Larry D. Welch, USAF (Ret.), President, Institute for Defense Analyses.
Paper: Live-Virtual-Constructive Architecture Interoperability Assessment
Paper: The Open Technology Development Challenge: Are You Ready?
Paper: Achieving Simulation Interoperability: Republic of Korea and the United States
WEDNESDAY:
Paper: Preventing the Tanker Two Step: Renewed Emphasis on Geospatial Data Quality
THURSDAY:
Paper: Development of a Persistent Partner Simulation Network Capability
Paper: The Ripple Effects of Information Assurance on the Simulation World
Paper: Performance Considerations of Embedded Scripting Languages in Real-Time Training
I attended meetings in the CymSTAR conference room with Veraxx regarding CH-53 and with Phil Boettjer regarding USMC programs.
I also spent a considerable amount of time on the exhibit floor, speaking to representatives and viewing exhibits from ASTI and Simphonics, Christie Digital (visual projection systems), 3D Perception, Glass Mountain Optics (visual screens), Display Solutions, Concurrent, Electrosonic, Wittenstein Aerospace & Simulation (electric control loading), RedHat, Aero Simulation, Inc., J. F. Taylor, Inc., MS&T, CAE, Aegis, Precision Display Technologies, D&SCI, Scalable Display Technologies (EasyBlend), TENA SDA, AVCATT, GE Fanuc, UEI, SCT, Sytronics, PEO Stri, AFRL, Northrup Grumman. I spoke to Randy Hobbs of Northrup Grumman, who is the liaison for DMO for the Air Combat Command. AFRL Mesa demonstrated a live-virtual-constructive close air support demonstration.
Evening activities included attending CymSTAR's AMC social at the Cricketer's Arms and a dinner hosted by Proactive Technologies.
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